Rayford Griffin – Rebirth of the Cool (Razoredge Records)

The debut solo release of drummer Rayford Griffin’s “Rebirth of the Cool” on Razoredge Records comprises “a tangy fusion of raw funk, relentlessly swinging jazz, radio-friendly melodies and blazin’ jazz-rock fusion workouts”. A bold statement for a newbie, but Griffin is far from that. Having spent a few decades honing his craft under the tutelage and influence of such renowned artists as Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Patrice Rushen, Jean Luc-Ponty, Bette Midler, and his late uncle, trumpeter, Clifford Brown, Rayford has confidently emerged from the drum riser to showcase his composing, arranging, drumming and singing gifts in what can be best described as a personal, contemporary tribute to the traditions of jazz.

Griffin is engaged in this project with percussionist Munyungo Jackson, guitarists Dwight Sills, Jamie Glaser and brother Reggie Griffin, bassists Sekou Bunch, Larry Kimpel and Keith Jones, keyboardists Nick Smith, Deron Johnson and Rob Mullins, violinist Karen Briggs, and the horns of Branford Marsalis, Everette Harp, “Patches” Stewart, Walt Fowler and Brandon Fields. What emerges from this first solo effort is collection of multi-faceted works that embrace the senses on many levels.

The disc opens with the title track “Rebirth of the Cool”, - a funky, retro rhythm groove with a blazing horn section featuring Gerald Albright and Brandon Fields on tenor sax, Johnny Britt on trumpet (Tower of Power fans -it will take you back to the ‘70s for sure!), the kickin’ bass of Sekou Bunch, oh-so-smooth vocals, showcasing Griffin’s well-kept secret (wit Kim Johnson) and Rayford working the beat on the drums. Joining him is brother Reggie Griffin on guitar with Nick Smith too chilly on the Fender Rhodes. The lyrics to this tune convey an historical explanation of “Cool” and talking about retro: his voice is all that, bringing to mind the poetic vocal stylings of Gil Scott Heron.

The second cut “”Lids and Squares” opens with the drummer setting the tone – it’s a “Mack Daddy” kinda rhythm that makes you wanna shake your rump and strut your stuff! The “Mack Attack” in handled by the brothers Griffin, with Larry Kimpel on bass, Grammy Nominee Rob Mullins on keys, Gary Bias on sax, Reggie Young on trombone and Munyungo Jackson on percussion. Track 3 is “All That” is unabashedly smooth, so sit back and enjoy this “ode to a woman” and reminisce of old smoke-filled jazz clubs and the definitive influences of Rayford’s time with Manhattan Transfer. Vocals again are handled by Griffin – fresh… sassy… inviting, and you’ll really dig Stanley Clarke’s bass and Branford Marsalis’ tenor sax on this one.

One of my favorites is track 4 – “Everytime I See U”. A complex yet simply beautiful piece of instrumental work that I wished had made it to the first radio single. This is followed by track 5- the radio release “In Your Eyes”, featuring Dwight Sills on guitar. The press release deems it “…a song of melodic beauty and radio-friendly panache.” That it is and more. It also goes well whether driving in the car on skipping along the ocean in a boat. It’s a feel-good song that makes you happy and takes you everywhere you want to be.

There are 9 groovable tracks on this CD, filled with so much energy and love, the best thing I can offer you is an invitation to “Rebirth of the Cool”. It’s available at record stores and through your favorite internet shopping medium. To all drummers, your time has come! We’ve got a winner here and a “must have” for your collection. We give it a rating of A+